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The City of Destiny took shape where rails met sails on the shores of Commencement Bay. When Tacoma was chosen as the Northern Pacific Railroad’s terminus, the city rose from the mudflats and took the lead as the Northwest’s destination for opportunity. In this collection, discover the city’s early notables and uncover the stories behind the historic landmarks. Why did city planners abandon Olmsted’s vision? How many war bonds did Lana Turner’s kisses buy? Why were vegetarians warned, “Don’t drink the water”? Who is the tiny figure with coal black hair and bound feet who haunts Old Tacoma? Local author and guide Karla Stover answers these questions and more as she spins stories from the tomes of Tacoma’s past.